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Would you like to install a new keyboard in your Dell Inspiron 9400 or E1705 laptop? It’s relatively easy even for inexperienced users. In my guide I’ll be replacing a damaged keyboard with a new one I got here for less than $20. I mentioned Inspiron E1705 laptop because it has the same body and the keyboard replacement instructions should be identical for both models. Before you start, turn off the power, remove the battery and remove the AC adapter. STEP 1. Open up the display as far as it goes. Insert a small flat head screwdriver between the keyboard cover and laptop base and carefully lift up the cover. 
Continue removing the cover with your fingers. 
STEP 2. Remove two screws securing the keyboard. 
STEP 3. Carefully lift up the keyboard from the base and move it up so you can access the keyboard cable. 
STEP 4. The keyboard is connected to the motherboard via a flat ribbon cable. Before you can release the cable and remove the keyboard, the connector must be unlocked. Be very careful. The keyboard connector is permanently attached to the motherboard. If you accidentally damage the connector, you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard. 
On the picture below you see the connector in the locked state. 
The connector opens up like a door. You can open the connector with your fingernail. On the picture below you see the same connector in the unlocked position. 
STEP 5. Now you can pull the cable from the connector and remove the keyboard. 
Replace the damaged keyboard with a new one. 
My previous post explains how to add more memory and upgrade the video card. In one of the next posts I’ll explain how to disassemble the display panel and replace the LCD screen. If you are replacing the keyboard because of missing or broken keys, check out my previous post about fixing individual keyboard keys. Maybe it’s not necessary to replace the whole keyboard. UPDATE: in my next guides I explain how to replace LCD screen and fix damaged display hinge.
January 28th, 2011 at 11:05 am
Off topic, but what on earth happened to the computer you were working on? Like all the key caps were ripped off? Did somebody’s cat use the keyboard as a scratching post?
December 24th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Thank you. The keyboard is reinstalled. No more trying to boot up the computer two or three times. The new keyboard was the problem. After the keyboard was installed, I could do updates and the media center now works perfect as well. I have only one problem… The delete button does not work..??? Anything you can say to help me with that? THANK YOU!!!
October 9th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
chris,
Thank you for your kind donation!
October 9th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Thank you! your site, 10$ keyboard on Amazon and sent you 10$ donation = 20$ to replace my keyboard several places around town wanted $150 PLUS parts.
October 4th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
[...] UPDATE: in next guides I explain how to fix damaged display hinge and how to replace damaged keyboard. [...]
September 20th, 2010 at 10:06 am
this article did a really great job. it made changing my keyboard damn easy. especially step 4 was something, none of the other sites i came along really explained good enough, if even mentioning it. only problem was, that i didnt expect i would need such a really really tiny screwdriver
) … so after all, you made finishing this job really easy to me. thanks a lot!
June 21st, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I usually don’t leave raving comments on these sites, but you really saved me a lot of trouble with this great set of instructions. (But, argh, the cursor is still bouncing backward; gotta figure that out …) Your photos and directions were very clear. I thought I’d be using this site as a one-time only thing, but I’m bookmarking it for good. Thank you!
June 1st, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Thank you so much … I was looking at my Laptop wondering where to begin. It was a piece of cake and I am glad Dell made this repair non-dangerous. Again thanks!
May 29th, 2010 at 4:57 am
Thanks. Keep making the world a better place.
April 11th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Thank you very much.
I’ve just replaced my keyboard. Just took me five minutes.
Great!